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Orchestrating Life

March 18, 2017 by Sonia Marsh 12 Comments

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I believe in orchestrating life. I don’t wait for things to happen; I try to make them happen. Sometimes I’m all over the place, spreading seeds in many locations hoping they will germinate, and show me the “right” direction for me. Do you do that?

It doesn’t matter whether I’m in Africa, Belize or in the U.S., I  take charge, plan ahead, hoping that all will fall into place, and the strange thing about this is that I put in the same amount of passion,no matter where I live in the world.

For example, after I flew from Lesotho to Europe, and then the U.S. to visit family and friends last July, I knew that I wanted to end my Peace Corps service in Lesotho. So I started visualizing how things would proceed, and that gave me the strength to make it happen. I started with the fun part: tracking cheap flights on Google flights via different destinations, to return to Paris, Copenhagen and California, for the Christmas holidays. I then worked my way backwards to July 24th, when I returned to Lesotho, and faced a severe snow storm.

I didn’t want to feel like a failure for quitting early, so I started planning my secondary project so I could feel proud of leaving my mark at the village school. I worked on the grant proposal, and scheduled visits to Maseru, to meet with a Peace Corps staff member to expedite the process. Since I started early, my grant proposal was accepted in record time, and thanks to fundraising and all the donations you sent to my village,  we succeeded in raising $5,000 in one week, and completed construction seventeen days later. The timing was perfect; it was scheduled to end by November 30th, and due to the workers’ motivation to get paid right before the Christmas holidays, they were determined to finish on time.

Now, two months after returning to the U.S., I’m in full-swing taking courses in Microsoft Office suite, attending the Association of Fundraising Professional workshops and a grant writing course in April. I’ve had two job offers, and turned them down, for various reasons, however I’m presently working events for the Newport Beach Public Foundation library.
Basically, my calendar is so full, and I choose to make it that way. I like being busy, learning new skills, meeting new people, and orchestrating my life.
Working various events at the Newport Beach Library, CA.

 

Filed Under: motivational, Peace Corps, People Tagged With: orchestrating life

Comments

  1. Kathleen Pooler says

    March 18, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    You are walking the walk, Sonia and I have no doubt you will be successful in this next new chapter of your life. Congratulations on all you have achieved by your passion, skill and true grit. Thanks for your update. You are an inspiration.

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:42 pm

      Kathy, I could also be a little crazy! Thanks anyway.

      Reply
  2. Linda Luke says

    March 18, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Your life has always seemed like a symphony. Congrats on moving forward with such grace. I can’t wait to hear what your next adventure (gutsy or relaxed) might be.
    Linda Luke recently posted..5 Friday Favorites – Movies, Food, and Free Wildflower SeedsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      I think my life is more like a race. I hope it will fall into a routine one day; but now that I think about it Linda, I get bored with routine. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Charlie says

    March 18, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    Hi Sonia,
    I love your energy. I inhale your words and feel the current charging through you. It’s contagious.
    Best, Charlie

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:38 pm

      I’m happy if it’s contagious Charlie.

      Reply
  4. ladyfi says

    March 18, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Good for you! Glad to hear your life is on track.
    ladyfi recently posted..Winter ribbonsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:38 pm

      It will be more on track once I have a full-time career, Fiona.

      Reply
  5. Susan Weidener says

    March 19, 2017 at 5:41 am

    Sonia, I identify with it being up to YOU to make it happen …especially, as a single woman. Ambition, confidence and knowing your passions in life are all essential ingredients to making this life full AND fulfilling. Or at least, that’s what I’ve discovered.
    Susan Weidener recently posted..Inspiration Leads To Life Story WritingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      So true Susan, and to keep learning and challenging your mind with new skills.

      Reply
  6. Julie Watson says

    March 19, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    Hi Sonia, I love your attitude. You are an inspiration. Please you are getting on with it and I am sure in time you will look back on your time in Lesotho as positive, an experience you would not want to miss. All the best and look forward to following your journey.

    Reply
  7. Rob-bear says

    April 12, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    I never thought of you as someone who would sit around waiting for things to happen. I hope this next part of your life journey is full of wonder (as in “wonderful”) and that it keeps you in food, with a roof over your head.

    Blessings and Bear hugs, Sonia.

    Reply

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